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Emerson to help improve efficiency of Catalina Island's power microgrid

Catalina Island is home to about 4,000 people but hosts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Because of its isolation from the mainland, it relies on an independent "microgrid" to provide reliable power to the island. To help manage the multiple sources of electric generation that feed the island's microgrid more efficiently, Southern California Edison will use automation technologies from Emerson Process Management. Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Southern California Edison

Emerson automation technologies to help maintain grid stability

PITTSBURGH (August 27, 2015) — Located 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is home to about 4,000 people but hosts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Because of its isolation from the mainland, it relies on an independent "microgrid" to provide reliable power to the island. To help manage the multiple sources of electric generation that feed the island's microgrid more efficiently, Southern California Edison (SCE) will use automation technologies from Emerson Process Management, a global business of Emerson (NYSE: EMR).

Catalina Island's Pebbly Beach Generating Station is both an electric generating station and a liquefied petroleum gas distribution facility. Emerson's Ovation™ control system will help SCE manage six diesel generators, 23 microturbines and a battery storage system, as well as the island's LPG plant and water treatment and desalination facilities.

By giving SCE operators a concise view of all generating assets, the system will help them determine the most efficient way to meet energy demands while reducing environmental impact. Emerson's SCADA technology will also help them maintain stable grid voltage while enabling rapid response to changes in demand caused by fluctuations during the tourist season.

"Catalina Island has always operated as a microgrid because of its location, but now we see these types of projects becoming more prevalent elsewhere," said Bob Yeager, president of Emerson Process Management's Power & Water Solutions. "Whether it's balancing a variety of alternative and traditional fossil assets, or isolating high-value areas or facilities from the effects of a power outage, our team has the experience and expertise to help manage the nuances of microgrid operation."

About Emerson Process Management

Emerson Process Management (www.EmersonProcess.com​), an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, power, water and wastewater treatment, mining and metals, food and beverage, life sciences and other industries. The company combines superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services. Its brands include PlantWeb™, Syncade™, DeltaV™, Fisher®, Bettis™, Micro Motion®, Rosemount®, Daniel™, Ovation™ and AMS Suite.

About Emerson

Emerson (NYSE: EMR), based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and consumer markets around the world. The company is comprised of five business segments: Process Management, Industrial Automation, Network Power, Climate Technologies, and Commercial & Residential Solutions. Sales in fiscal 2014 were $24.5 billion. For more information, visit Emerson.com.